Golden Age Pre 73 Power Adapter Europe/US Converter

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Potsy24

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Quick question: I just bought a second Pre 73 on CL, and it came from the UK originally. The previous owner was just using the original UK power supply with a two prong US adapter (picture attached). Is this ok to continue using this? I would think the worst that could happen is that I could fry the power supply, but I don't want to damage the preamp. I would be plugging it into a Furman M-8x2 power conditioner if that makes a difference.

If the last guy didn't explode the pre with this thing, it's probably fine. But I figured I'd ask the experts just to be safe.

IMG_04061.jpg
 
I don't understand. A uk PSU would have the 3 pin male part. What's that white plastic 3 pin female doing?

What's the input voltage rating on the unit?
 
Sorry, he was from the UK, but maybe the preamp wasn't. It has a 2 prong plug going into the white adapter. The power rating on the power supply is 230-240 V and puts out 24V, which is what the preamp needs.
 
The white plastic adapter is converting the 2 round prongs on the black plug to 2 flat US prongs.
 
You won't immediately damage it or anything, but running the psu on 110 probably isn't great in the long term.
Usually if a device is happy anywhere, it'll be marked with 50/60hz and maybe 100-240v.


A lot of companies use the same transformer for uk/us, but set up with different primary windings.
If GAP have done this, you should be able to switch the wiring from series to parallel, and switch the fuse.

I had a quick google there and couldn't find anything solid though. Might be worth pursuing.
 
As long as the rating in amps is higher than required, I can't see why that wouldn't be fine.
It has to fit too, obviously! :p
 
Yep, it fits. The measurements for the connector are the same (5.5mm OD, 2.5mm ID, 10mm L). I'll order instead of using the plastic plug adapter. Thanks for your help!
 
I hate to bring up the obvious question of AC or DC and polarity... but I just have to
 
MOFO Pro said:
I hate to bring up the obvious question of AC or DC and polarity... but I just have to
Click to expand...

Sorry, this is not my area of expertise, so I don't know what the obvious question is in regards to AC/Dc or polarity. At any rate, that adapter did not work. First the unit didn't power on, so I tried plugging the adapter into my other Pre-73 (to make sure the pre wasn't DOA), and it actually sparked when I tried to plug it in. Looks like the connector is slightly different. Possibly a little narrower and has 2 pins on the inner barrel instead of a solid ring like the original TDC adapter.

I'm still looking for a replacement for this power adapter. Should I get a 110 to 220 converter and continue using the European power adapter with that? Something like this:

SAMSONITE 50 WATT STEP UP TRAVEL CONVERTER 110 to 220 VAC - FREE SHIPPING | eBay
 
I'm feeling stupider the more I try to figure this out. I was looking for a power adapter that was specifically rated for 1.75A. Now I read that it just has to be at least 1.75A. Is this correct? If so, I think this adapter will work:

NEW Genuine DELTA ADP-50ZB 24V 2A SWITCHING AC ADAPTER | eBay

It has the same connector as the original TDC adapter (not the 2 pin deal that my first attempt had).
 
Ok, so a "switching adapter" (which is what I bought) turns the AC power into DC power. The Pre-73 needs AC power, which is why this didn't work. Apparently this is what MOFO Pro was talking about. I know this is obvious to most people that will read this, but hopefully the next guy that doesn't know this will find this post. So I need to find an AC to AC adapter that has an output of 24V and at least 1.75A. That shouldn't be too hard.
 
Ok, I finally figured it out. The Pre-73 doesn't actually need a 1.75A power supply, that's just what it happens to come with. If you check out the PS-AC4 (4 channel power supply made by GAP), each channel only gets 24VAC @ 500mA. So, obviously it can get by with way less than 1.75A. Which is good news because it's pretty hard to find an adapter rated that high. I also couldn't find anywhere if the connector is upposed to be 2.1mm ID or 2.5mm ID. But I found this:

24 VAC 1200mA AC Adapter 120-1170

It's an adapter with an output of 24VAC @ 1200mA and has a 5.5mm/2.5mm connector. It also comes with a 5.5mm/2.1mm adapter just in case. Finally, I think I've got it.
 
sorry I wasn't more specific in my first post... glad you've got it sorted though
 
Polarity is usually marked on a unit with a diagram.
It'll point out that the inside of the little power jack is + and the sleeve is -, or vice versa.

This doesn't apply to AC.

I'd forget about any mains converters/adapters or any of that.
The pre73 itself doesn't care about your mains voltage, as long as it sees 24v AC.

Pick up a wall wart that runs on your native voltage and socket type, which outputs 24v AC, > 500ma, if that's what the Pre73 requires.

EDIT.
I read a few posts saying the unit draws 750ma, so I'd definitely recommend looking for a 1 amp psu.
 
Yeah, I ended up with the 24VAC, 1200mA adapter I mentioned above. Thanks for your help guys.
 
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